Wang YC, Huang AP, Huang CW
… +2 more, Islam MM, Kung WM
Int J Rheum Dis
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41782208
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BACKGROUND AND AIM: The relationship of gout with the risk of dementia has been a subject of importance in current studies. There is no comprehensive meta-analysis regarding their association. Hence, our team performed a...BACKGROUND AND AIM: The relationship of gout with the risk of dementia has been a subject of importance in current studies. There is no comprehensive meta-analysis regarding their association. Hence, our team performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the relationship of gout with the risk of dementia. METHODS: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science beginning at database commencement till 1 December 2022. For systematic review and meta-analysis, 2 independent reviewers comprised observational researches that assessed the relationship of gout with risk of dementia. This research pursued the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses summarizing guidelines to extract and synthesize data. Our team applied the random-effects model to determine pooled risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Our study covered 5 observational studies. The pooled RR for the risk of overall dementia was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.58-1.10) with no evidence of publication bias. Moreover, the pooled RR demonstrated lesser risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) at 0.70 (95% CI: 0.62-0.78) and vascular dementia at 0.68 (95% CI: 0.48-0.95) among patients with gout. An inverse association was observed in Asian people, but there was no relationship of gout with dementia among Western people. CONCLUSION: In this meta-analysis of observational studies, gout was not significantly associated with overall dementia risk, although inverse associations were observed for AD and vascular dementia. These findings suggest potential heterogeneity by dementia subtype and population but should be interpreted cautiously given the observational design. Well-designed prospective studies and randomized trials are needed to clarify causality and underlying mechanisms. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols INPLASY2025110018; https://doi.org/10.37766/inplasy2025.11.0018.
Int J Rheum Dis
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41736261
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OBJECTIVES: Available evidence has shown a genetic association with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) pathogenesis. Interleukin-38 (IL-38) has been found to correlate with SLE development. However, whether IL-38 gene po...OBJECTIVES: Available evidence has shown a genetic association with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) pathogenesis. Interleukin-38 (IL-38) has been found to correlate with SLE development. However, whether IL-38 gene polymorphisms relate to SLE risk needs clarification. METHODS: A total of 390 age- and sex-matched SLE patients and 390 healthy controls were recruited from the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University. Blood samples were collected from all the participants. Clinical and laboratory characteristics were collected and evaluated. DNA samples were extracted, and their quality was assessed. Six IL-38 gene polymorphisms (rs3811058, rs3811051, rs3811050, rs28992498, rs28992497, and rs7599662) were screened. Genotyping was performed using KASP methods. RESULTS: All the six polymorphisms conformed to the Hardy-Weinberg's expectation test. The frequencies of genotypes TT and TT + TC of rs3811058 were lower in SLE patients compared to healthy controls (OR = 1.518, OR = 1.461). Similarly, for rs7599662, the frequencies of genotypes TT, TT + TC, and allele T were lower in SLE patients than in healthy controls (OR = 2.052, OR = 2.494, OR = 1.645). Conversely, the frequency of genotype TC in SLE patients was higher than that in healthy controls (OR = 1.972). Subgroup analysis showed that these gene polymorphisms were associated with various clinical and laboratory features in SLE patients. Notably, the TT + TC genotype of rs3811058 was negatively associated with lupus headache and pyuria. Furthermore, patients with the TT + TC genotype of rs3811058 had higher IgA levels, whereas SLE patients with the CC + CA genotype of rs28992498 showed lower RF and IgG expression. CONCLUSION: IL-38 gene polymorphisms (rs3811058 and rs7599662) are associated with SLE susceptibility, and are partially associated with clinical and laboratory features.
Sarıyıldız L, Erbayram FZ, Sivrikaya A
… +5 more, Menevse E, Tokak S, Akcan Kurşun G, Yılmaz S, Kose H
Int J Rheum Dis
· 2026 Feb · PMID 41708127
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OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate serum levels of Galectin-3, Tryptophan (TRP), and kynurenine/alpha-aminoadipate aminotransferase (AADAT) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to investigate their potenti...OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate serum levels of Galectin-3, Tryptophan (TRP), and kynurenine/alpha-aminoadipate aminotransferase (AADAT) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to investigate their potential diagnostic and prognostic implications. METHODS: This was an original experimental study. The study population consisted of individuals followed up at the Rheumatology Polyclinic of Selçuk University Faculty of Medicine, Konya, Türkiye. Between April 2025 and July 2025, 45 RA patients diagnosed according to the ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria and 45 healthy control subjects were included in the study. Statistical analyses included t-test, Mann-Whitney U, correlation analyses, and ROC curve evaluation. Serum levels of Galectin-3, TRP, and AADAT were measured by ELISA. Disease activity was assessed using DAS-28 scores. RESULTS: TRP levels were significantly lower in RA patients compared to controls (p < 0.001), whereas Galectin-3 levels were significantly higher (p < 0.001). AADAT levels did not differ significantly between groups (p = 0.61). Galectin-3 and TRP showed strong diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.84 and 0.76, respectively). Significant correlations were observed among Galectin-3, TRP, and AADAT, as well as with hematological indices. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated Galectin-3 and reduced TRP levels are associated with RA pathogenesis, whereas AADAT levels remain comparable between patients and controls. These findings suggest Galectin-3 and TRP as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of RA.
Yin H, Wang Y, Chen Z
… +3 more, Zhu Y, Lu W, Huang K
Int J Rheum Dis
· 2026 Feb · PMID 41672949
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OBJECTIVES: This meta-analysis aimed to explore the impact of biologics on the development of cardiovascular events (CEs) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS: We collected literature related to the effe...OBJECTIVES: This meta-analysis aimed to explore the impact of biologics on the development of cardiovascular events (CEs) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS: We collected literature related to the effects of biologics on CEs in AS patients through computerized searches of Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library, as well as manual searches. The literature retrieval spanned from the inception of these databases up to March 28, 2025. Literature selection and data extraction were performed in accordance with predefined eligibility criteria. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomized trials were utilized to evaluate the quality of eligible articles. Data analysis was performed using STATA 15.0. RESULTS: This meta-analysis incorporated 23 eligible articles encompassing 92 623 subjects. The results illustrated that the biologics group had a lower overall CE risk than the non-biologics group (RR = 0.61, 95% CI, 0.44-0.84, p = 0.003). Specifically, the biologics group demonstrated a reduced risk of myocardial infarction (RR = 0.42, 95% CI, 0.27-0.65, p < 0.001) and ischemic heart disease (RR = 0.09, 95% CI, 0.04-0.17, p < 0.001). However, there were no significant differences in the risk of heart failure between the two groups (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant variation in the occurrence of CEs between the two groups with the use of etanercept, ixekizumab, or golimumab (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: Overall, biologic use may mitigate the risk of CEs, particularly impacting IHD and MI. Given the limitations inherent in the current body of research, additional large randomized controlled trials examining other CE subtypes and specific drug effects are needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.
Omura S, Kida T, Inoue H
… +35 more, Shimada Y, Nakagomi D, Abe Y, Takizawa N, Nomura A, Kukida Y, Kondo N, Takagi H, Endo K, Hirata S, Azuma N, Takeuchi T, Fukui S, Kamada K, Yanai R, Matsuo Y, Shimojima Y, Nishioka R, Okazaki R, Takata T, Moriyama M, Takatani A, Miyawaki Y, Shirai T, Dobashi H, Ito T, Matsumoto I, Takada T, Ito-Ihara T, Yajima N, Kawaguchi T, Seno T, Kohno M, Wada M, Kawahito Y
Int J Rheum Dis
· 2026 Feb · PMID 41672947
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BACKGROUND: Bronchiectasis is known to be more frequently observed in patients with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) compared to the general population. However, its association w...BACKGROUND: Bronchiectasis is known to be more frequently observed in patients with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) compared to the general population. However, its association with patient outcomes and the potential influence of immunosuppressive treatment on this association remain unclear. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter observational study using data from the Japan Collaborative Registry of ANCA-Associated Vasculitis (J-CANVAS). Adult patients with newly diagnosed or relapsing MPA or GPA between January 2017 and March 2023 were included. The exposure was clinically apparent bronchiectasis at baseline. Primary outcomes were serious infections and all-cause mortality; relapses were examined as a secondary outcome over 52 weeks. For each outcome, incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were estimated using multivariable Poisson regression models conditioned on confounding factors, incorporating follow-up time as an offset term. Interactions between initial treatment (prednisone dose, rituximab, cyclophosphamide, intravenous methylprednisolone, and plasma exchange) and bronchiectasis were also evaluated. RESULTS: Among 844 patients (MPA: 614; GPA: 230), 68 (8.1%) had bronchiectasis. During the follow-up period, there were 122 serious infections among 101 patients, 48 deaths, and 85 relapses among 72 patients. Adjusted IRRs for patients with bronchiectasis were 2.18 (95% CI: 1.25-3.83) for serious infections, 3.07 (1.41-6.66) for mortality, and 1.58 (0.77-3.24) for relapse. No clear interaction was detected between specific treatments and bronchiectasis. CONCLUSIONS: Bronchiectasis was associated with increased risks of serious infections and mortality in patients with MPA and GPA. However, we did not detect clear interaction by initial treatment, suggesting that avoiding specific therapies may not be necessary.
Sheng L, Xiao N, Chen B
… +3 more, Xiang Y, Xie Z, Li Z
Int J Rheum Dis
· 2026 Feb · PMID 41664355
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Lupus nephritis (LN) represents one of the most severe complications associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) characterized by a complex pathogenesis. Animal models play a pivotal role in elucidating the pathog...Lupus nephritis (LN) represents one of the most severe complications associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) characterized by a complex pathogenesis. Animal models play a pivotal role in elucidating the pathogenesis of LN, facilitating drug discovery, and evaluating therapeutic interventions. A diverse array of LN animal models is currently employed in research. Concurrently, the evaluation of these animal models' validity is of paramount importance. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the key characteristics of common spontaneous, inducible, humanized and knockout models, along with an assessment of the effectiveness of LN models. Through a comparative analysis of these models, this study offers valuable references and guidance for LN research.
Huang X, Tang J, Xia Y
… +6 more, Yang N, Chen D, Gao X, Yuan L, Su L, Lei L
Int J Rheum Dis
· 2026 Feb · PMID 41664340
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AIM: This study discussed the treatment effects and underlying mechanisms of the Qianggu Kangshu (QGKS) formula in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Rat models of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) were established and d...AIM: This study discussed the treatment effects and underlying mechanisms of the Qianggu Kangshu (QGKS) formula in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Rat models of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) were established and divided into six groups: control group, model group, low-dose QGKS group (QGKS-L, 6.3 g/kg/day), middle-dose QGKS group (QGKS-M, 12.6 g/kg/day), high-dose QGKS group (QGKS-H, 25.2 g/kg/day), and methotrexate (MTX, 1 mg/kg/week). The histopathological changes regarding synovial and ankle tissues were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin staining and safranin-O staining. Serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were measured using ELISA kits. UPLC/MS-MS was used to analyze serum components, and 16S rDNA sequencing was conducted for analyzing the intestinal contents of the treated CIA rats. RESULTS: Arthritis symptoms were alleviated in QGKS-treated CIA rats, evidenced by decreased paw swelling and lower arthritis scores compared to control groups. QGKS treatment resulted in a marked decrease in proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6). Histological analyses revealed reduced synovial inflammation and preserved cartilage integrity following QGKS intervention. Metabolomic profiling identified significant alterations in metabolic pathways related to glycerophospholipid metabolism and fatty acid degradation after addition of QGKS in CIA rats. Moreover, QGKS treatment improved gut microbiota composition, along with increased beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus and decreased pathogenic strains. CONCLUSION: QGKS alleviated CIA symptoms by reducing inflammation, correcting metabolic disturbances, and modulating gut microbiota, suggesting its potential as a novel therapeutic option for RA.
Int J Rheum Dis
· 2026 Feb · PMID 41663902
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AIM: This post hoc analysis of all-case post-marketing surveillance in Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis assessed risk factors for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), malignancies, and serious infection...AIM: This post hoc analysis of all-case post-marketing surveillance in Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis assessed risk factors for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), malignancies, and serious infections (SI). METHODS: Data of patients who received tofacitinib (≥ 1 dose) were stratified by each combination of age (< 50 years and ≥ 50 years) and the number of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors (0 or ≥ 1). Incidence rates (IRs) of each adverse event (AE)-MACE, malignancies, and SI, stratified by age, CV risk factors, and patient background factors were calculated. RESULTS: Overall, 7021 patients were stratified by each combination of age (< 50 and ≥ 50 years) and the number of CV risk factors (0 or ≥ 1). The IRs for malignancies and SI were higher in patients aged ≥ 50 vs. < 50 years. The IRs for all AEs were higher in patients with ≥ 1 CV risk factors than 0 CV risk factors. Older age was strongly correlated with all AEs. MACE and SI were more likely to be affected by any CV risk factors, while the other AE was influenced by some of them. CONCLUSIONS: Older age was a risk factor for all AEs (MACE, malignancies, and SI). MACE risk was also increased in patients with ≥ 1 CV risk factors versus those without. SI risk might also be increased in patients with ≥ 1 CV risk factors.
Zong XJ, Liu L, Yang M
… +3 more, Li JJ, Yuan P, Cao J
Int J Rheum Dis
· 2026 Feb · PMID 41657336
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OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of combining musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) with serum levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) for acute gouty arthrit...OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of combining musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) with serum levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) for acute gouty arthritis (AGA). METHODS: The study included 122 patients hospitalized for gouty arthritis between February 2021 and February 2022. Of these, 60 patients presented with AGA, while 62 had non-acute gouty arthritis (NAGA). Semi-quantitative musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) scores and serum levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were compared between the two groups. A Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS28) was used to further classify the AGA group into low-activity and high-activity subgroups. RESULTS: MSUS scores, DAS28, and serum levels of HIF-1α and COX-2 were significantly elevated in the AGA group compared to the NAGA group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, within the AGA group, the high-activity subgroup exhibited higher MSUS semi-quantitative scores, DAS28 scores, and serum levels of HIF-1α and COX-2 compared to the low-activity subgroup (p < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between the MSUS semi-quantitative score and serum levels of HIF-1α, COX-2, as well as the DAS28 score in patients diagnosed with AGA (p < 0.05). The combined application of MSUS semi-quantitative scoring and serological markers provided significantly enhanced diagnostic accuracy for AGA and better assessment of disease activity compared to any individual marker. CONCLUSIONS: MSUS and serum HIF-1α and COX-2 represent valuable tools for assessing the acute phase and disease activity of AGA. The combined diagnostic approach demonstrates superior effectiveness and holds potential for broader clinical application.